Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom - Important Questions & Answers
1 Mark Questions
Q1. Who is the author of "Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom"?
Ans: Nelson Mandela
Q2. When did South Africa get independence?
Ans: On 10th May 1994
Q3. What realisations did Mandela have about courage?
Ans: He realised that courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.
Q4. What does "glorious human achievement" refer to in the chapter?
Ans: It refers to the establishment of the first democratic, non-racial government in South Africa.
Q5. What are the two obligations every man has, according to Mandela?
Ans: One is to his family and the other is to his community and country.
Q6. What is the 'twin obligations' Mandela talks about?
Ans: The obligations to one's family and to one's people or country.
2 Mark Questions
Q1. What did Mandela say about his childhood freedom?
Ans: In his childhood, Mandela felt free in every way—he ran in the fields, swam in streams, and lived without any fear. He believed he was born free.
Q2. What is courage, according to Nelson Mandela?
Ans: According to Mandela, courage is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it. A brave man is not one who does not feel afraid, but one who conquers that fear.
Q3. What did Mandela say about the oppressor and the oppressed?
Ans: Mandela believed that both the oppressor and the oppressed are robbed of their humanity. While the oppressed loses freedom, the oppressor loses his soul and compassion.
Q4. Describe the atmosphere on the day of South Africa's first democratic government.
Ans: The atmosphere was full of hope and celebration. Leaders from around the world came to witness the ceremony, and people of all races were united in joy.
Q5. What is the meaning of 'the greatest wealth of a nation is its people'?
Ans: Mandela meant that the real strength of a nation lies not in its minerals or resources but in its people—their courage, kindness, and determination.
3 Mark Questions
Q1. Describe the inauguration ceremony held in South Africa.
Ans: The inauguration ceremony took place on 10th May 1994 at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. It was attended by many world leaders and dignitaries. Nelson Mandela was sworn in as the first Black President of South Africa. The event symbolized the end of apartheid and the beginning of a democratic nation.
Q2. What did Mandela say in his speech about people's responsibilities?
Ans: In his speech, Mandela said that every person has twin obligations—one to his family and the other to his community or country. In South Africa, under apartheid, fulfilling these two obligations was not possible for Black people. But now with freedom, everyone could serve both.
Q3. How did Mandela's definition of freedom change with age?
Ans: As a child, Mandela thought freedom meant being able to run, play, and live freely. As he grew older, he realized that freedom meant much more—like having dignity, equal rights, and the ability to live without fear. He learned that no one is truly free until everyone is free.
Q4. Why does Mandela say that "the oppressor must be liberated just as surely as the oppressed"?
Ans: Mandela believed that when a person oppresses others, he also becomes a prisoner of hatred and fear. True freedom means liberating both the oppressed and the oppressor. Only then can humanity be restored for all.
5 Mark Questions
Q1. What ideas does Nelson Mandela express in his speech after becoming the President of South Africa?
Ans:
In his speech, Nelson Mandela talks about the journey from a country of racial oppression to a free, democratic South Africa. He pays tribute to all those who sacrificed their lives for freedom and equality. He emphasizes that no one is born hating others; people learn to hate, and they can also be taught to love. He mentions that South Africa's greatest wealth is its people. Mandela also highlights the importance of unity, peace, and reconciliation. He urges the people to work together to build a nation where everyone, regardless of race or color, can live with dignity and equal rights.
In his speech, Nelson Mandela talks about the journey from a country of racial oppression to a free, democratic South Africa. He pays tribute to all those who sacrificed their lives for freedom and equality. He emphasizes that no one is born hating others; people learn to hate, and they can also be taught to love. He mentions that South Africa's greatest wealth is its people. Mandela also highlights the importance of unity, peace, and reconciliation. He urges the people to work together to build a nation where everyone, regardless of race or color, can live with dignity and equal rights.
Q2. Discuss Nelson Mandela's views on courage, freedom, and responsibilities.
Ans:
Nelson Mandela believed that courage is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it. A truly brave person is someone who feels fear but overcomes it. Regarding freedom, Mandela says that initially he thought freedom meant doing whatever he wanted, but later he understood that real freedom means the ability to live with dignity and respect. He believed that everyone has two obligations—towards their family and their nation. Under apartheid, it was impossible for Black South Africans to fulfill both. Mandela’s life was dedicated to achieving that balance and ensuring freedom for all citizens. He also believed that both the oppressor and the oppressed need liberation for true peace.
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